Lib Dems call for farming equivalent of Teach First scheme

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a 'Farm First' scheme to train graduates for careers in farming, aiming to prevent what they describe as a "lost generation" in the sector.

The scheme would be similar to Teach First, a charity which trains graduates as teachers and places them in schools.

The party estimates their proposal would cost £60m per year, funding two-year training placements for 1,000 trainees. It says the scheme could be paid for through money-raising measures including a windfall tax on big banks and increasing the Digital Services Tax, paid by big tech companies.

A Labour spokesperson said the government was "committed to supporting the farming sector".

"We're investing billions in the sector through supportive programmes and schemes and working closely with the Institute for Agriculture to promote careers in farming."

"The Lib Dems had the opportunity to help farmers while in government but instead cut capital spending to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by a third and led the country into austerity."

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